this great love story between Paris and the famous trumpeter

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Thriller, We Are The World…Behind these global hits performed by Michael Jacksona man: Quincy Jones. Trumpet player, composer and even conductor, the American artist has left his mark music history. Sunday November 3, 2024, his family announced his death at the age of 91 in a press release relayed by Associated Press (AP). His prolific career, spanning more than seven decades, took a decisive turn after a stint several years in Paris.

Nadia Boulanger, an important meeting

During his interviews, the Chicago, Illinois native regularly recounted l’importance of the capital in its journey. “There is no better than Paris,” he said to Parisianin June 2019, a few days before a sumptuous concert at the Accor Arena to celebrate his 70th career.

Temple you jazz since the Roaring Twenties, the capital has never failed to attract American stars, like Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis or even Sydney Bechet. Quincy Jones has joined this caste of prestigious names. In 1957, the young musician aged 24, friend of Ray Charlesleaves his native America to join France in the still burning context of racial segregationism. Objective, refine your art.

A meeting will shake up his principles and his know-how. That of Nadia Boulanger. As Slate reported in 2021, this woman played a fundamental role in the construction of several recognized musicians. Pianist and conductor, she receives students at the American Conservatory of Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne). Among them, Michel Legrand and Aaron Copeland.

But Nadia Boulanger confides that she was particularly seduced by the talent of Quincy Jones. “(He’s) one of the two most significant musicians I’ve known,” she would have said, according to comments reported by France Musique. The other is called Igor Stravinsky.

With the greatest French singers

In addition to the numerous courses to which he submits, the American artist collaborates with the labelEddie Barclay as artistic director. The opportunity to compose albums by illustrious French singers, likeEddy Mitchellof Charles Aznavour or even Jacques Brel. Contributions allowing it to consolidate its growing notoriety in Europe.

Finally, his stay in Paris ended in 1962. Thirty-eight years later, he went to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. His penultimate performance in the City of Lights, before coming to the Accor Arena. A myth has been extinguished.

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